Punta Gorda Family Lawyers

Clay D. Morgan was born and raised in Florida, graduating from Cooper City High School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in 1979, and obtaining his Undergraduate degree from Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton with concentration in the area of finance. Clay went on to earn his Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Miami, School of Law in Miami, Florida, graduating in 1987. At University of Miami Law School, Clay concentrated his studies in the area of trial practice. After graduating from the University of Miami, Clay worked for a period of 4 years with the Law Firm of High,...

I have been in practice for over 32 years, primarily in the area of family law, handling cases involving divorce, paternity, time sharing, child support, alimony, etc. I am a sole practitioner, so my clients receive the benefit of significant one-on-one care of their cases. I am happy to resolve cases amicably when I can, but I am not afraid to litigate cases to protect or fight for my clients' rights.

As a former prosecutor, I understand the complexities of working a case inside and outside a courtroom. Having experience working in cases involving investigators, law enforcement, civilian witnesses, evidence departments, parenting coordinators, guardian ad litem coordinators and attorneys, Department of Children and Families’ case managers and attorneys, as well as counsel for other parties, I have been able to understand and have the ability to work towards the resolution of any situation, in my covered areas of law. As a current Florida Supreme Court Certified Mediator, as well as, an attorney for children (Attorney ad...

Originally from the great State of Texas, Mr. Archer has sought the practice of law as his second career. After graduating high school in 1992, Mr. Archer enlisted in the US Air Force and served as a Munitions Systems Specialist and a Training Manager/Instructor until he discharged in 2000. Upon completion of his bachelors degrees at McMurry University (Science) and University of Central Oklahoma (Business Admin.), he attended Barry University School of Law and received his Juris Doctorate in 2005. Mr. Archer began his practice in 2006 and has continued in the areas of Family Law and...

Susan Winston has been practicing law since October 2004 when she was admitted to the Florida Bar. She came to Florida from Virginia after graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from the College of William and Mary in 2001. Susan then went to the University of Miami School of Law and received her Juris Doctor in 2004. Susan began her legal career at the Office of the Public Defender for the 15th Judicial Circuit in 2004. In over six years at the Office of the Public Defender, Susan represented the indigent accused in...

OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE in civil, criminal and appellate law in Palm Beach, Broward and other Florida Counties. I was also a city prosecutor for a year or so.
Practiced in a wide variety of law cases including civil and criminal jury trials and appellate cases, including a case in the Florida Supreme Court.
Army veteran-Honorable Discharge.
Born and raised in Passaic County, New Jersey.
Graduated from Passaic Valley High School in Little Falls, New Jersey
Moved to Florida with my family and began college at the University of Miami in the Business School majoring in accounting. I enjoyed the business law courses so...

Daniel R. Silver has been a member of the Florida Bar since October 2003. Daniel is a Partner at PraDa Law, a full-service multi-jurisdictional international law firm, where he heads up the family division of the firm. Daniel is a skilled and experienced trial attorney. Daniel diligently prepares cases to advocate for his client’s rights by blending his investigative background from his criminal law experience with his knowledge of family and marital law. He is AV-Rated. He is a member of the National Association of Distinguished Counsel, rated 10/10 on Avvo.com and has earned Avvo’s...

Mr. Persad has worked in the legal profession for over 20 years. He is licensed to practice law in Florida, the United States Virgin Islands, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals, the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, and before the U.S. Supreme Court. He earned his Juris Doctor degree and his Masters in Public Administration degree from the University of Akron in 1993 and 1994, respectively. He also holds a Bachelors of Arts in Business Administration from the University of the Virgin Islands and a diploma in paralegal studies from New York University. Mr. Persad's experience in the legal field...

Brendon focuses on managing high-stakes and high-conflict family disputes, encompassing divorces involving assets totaling nine figures or more. His caseload extends to matters with intricate child-related issues or allegations of misconduct by one of the parties. He extends his legal services to selective cases throughout Florida and nationwide. Demonstrating astuteness and strategic acumen, Brendon initiates trial preparations right from the initial consultation. Recognizing the potential efficacy of building a robust trial case to facilitate settlements, he diligently explores every avenue to achieve an amicable resolution. In cases where a favorable settlement is not attainable, Brendon is committed to pursuing the matter...

Zuhair D. Fanash Founding Partner Attorney Zuhair D. Fanash has been practicing law for more than 13 years. Attorney Fanash has focused his career in the area of Family Law exclusively. During law school, at the University of Denver School of Law, Attorney Fanash had internships with the Colorado Court of Appeals, the Denver district attorney’s office, and with two litigation firms. After graduating from the University of Denver law school, Attorney Fanash accepted a position as fellow with the Eighteenth Judicial District. The internships and fellowship experience allowed Attorney Fanash to see the judges’ perspective and how judges dealt with...

Juan Gainza, Esq. graduated from Florida International University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice, and received his Juris Doctorate from Nova Southeastern University School of Law. Fluent in both English and Spanish, his excellent research and writing skills enable him to analyze and articulate complex legal issues clearly, concisely and decisively.

Mr. Gainza specializes in the areas of Personal Injury, Family Law and Immigration. He is a current member of the Florida Bar and past member of the American Immigration Lawyers’s Association and the American Bar Association.

Call Juan at (954) 463-1210 to discuss your legal concerns. You have...

Attorney Ivette Gonzalez Petkovich is a seasoned Miami criminal defense attorney, serving clients throughout the state of Florida who are indicted or charged in federal and state criminal offenses or under investigation by law enforcement or other government agencies. Born and raised in Miami, Attorney Petkovich attended the University of Miami where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. She received her Juris Doctorate degree from the St. Thomas University School of Law, also in Miami. She is now a married mother of two with a private law practice in Miami-Dade. Having spent her life in South Florida, she...

Mr. Hancock is the Managing Partner at Hancock & Associates, P.A. He graduated from undergraduate school at the University of Central Florida in 2003, where he received his Bachelors of Science in Psychology. He attended and graduated from Florida A&M College of Law, in Orlando, FL, and received his Juris Doctor in 2010. He has been a member of the Florida Bar and a practicing attorney since September, 2010. During law school, he was a summer associate at McCreary & Hancock, P.A., in Orlando, Florida, and later was a clerk for the Judge of Compensation Claims in Orlando, FL....

Brian D. Gottlieb, Esq., is the Managing Partner for the Commercial Litigation Division and Family Law Division of RTRLAW. Mr. Gottlieb has a diversified legal background in complex commercial litigation and contract disputes, representing clients in both state and federal court. He also has significant experience in family law, real estate litigation, foreclosure defense, landlord/tenant disputes and probate. Prior to joining RTRLAW, Mr. Gottlieb began his legal career as an associate at one of the top boutique commercial litigation law firms in Fort Lauderdale and was named partner in 2011. During that time, he gained valuable trial experience sitting first chair...

DANIEL E. FORREST specializes in all divorce and family law matters, including paternity, premarital agreements, domestic violence, enforcement, contempt, alimony, child support, custody, visitation, parenting plans, time-sharing, equitable distribution, property division, restraining orders, mediation, and post-judgment modifications.

He is Board Certified in Marital & Family Law by The Florida Bar’s Board of Legal Specialization and Education.

He is a graduate of the University of Florida (B.A., 2002) and Nova Southeastern University School of Law (J.D., 2006).

Mr. Forrest has received Martindale-Hubbell's esteemed "AV- Preeminent" rating, which recognizes lawyers with the highest ethical standards and professional ability. He has been selected for...

I graduated from the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida in 1997. I was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1998 and immediately began working as an assistant state attorney for the Palm Beach State Attorney’s Office where I prosecuted hundreds of criminal defendants. Towards the end of 1998, I then entered civil practice when I joined the Legal Aid Office in Dade County, Florida where I assisted clients in family law matters ranging from divorce, to distribution of properties and debts. Thereafter, in 1999, I went into private practice, and based upon my experience and qualifications was also appointed...

Arielle Capuano’s practice is focused almost exclusively on divorce, custody, and family law matters. Her family law experience ranges from uncontested divorces to complex divorces, high asset divorces, paternity cases, custody cases, relocation cases, modifications, enforcement and contempt, and domestic violence. Born and raised in Miami, Florida, Arielle obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Advertising & Public Relations from the University of Central Florida. Graduating near the top of her class, Arielle received her Juris Doctor Degree from Florida International University College of Law, where she was actively involved in the leadership of the Board of Advocates, the...

The Law Offices of Ben I. Farbstein, P.A., focuses on family law matters in Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Miami, Palm Beach, the Florida Keys and the surrounding areas. The firm has also taken on cases throughout the State of Florida at both the trial and appellate levels. Ben I. Farbstein, Esq., has developed a sophisticated family law practice that handles complex family law litigation matters in virtually every area of family. However, no case is too large or too small – if it is important to you, it is important to Ben I. Farbstein, Esq.

Hilda R. Ramirez-Gainza, Esq. graduated cum laude from Florida Atlantic University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, and received her Juris Doctorate from St. Thomas University School of Law. Fluent in both English and Spanish, her excellent research and writing skills enable her to analyze and articulate complex legal issues clearly, concisely and decisively.

Mrs. Gainza specializes in the areas of Personal Injury, Family Law and Immigration. She is a current member of the Florida Bar and past member of the American Bar Association.

Call Hilda at (954) 463-1210 or email her at gainzalaw@aol.com to discuss your legal concerns. You...

For over 40 years, Martin Hoffman has been a relentless advocate for individuals, families, and businesses in South Florida. He combines aggressive representation with genuine compassion, building trusted relationships with his clients while fighting fiercely for their rights. Leading the Way: Martin founded Hoffman, Larin & Agnetti, a testament to his leadership and vision. Under his guidance, the firm has expanded across Broward, Miami-Dade, and Monroe Counties, providing accessible legal services throughout the region. An experienced litigator, Martin accepts Divorce and family cases, Paternity cases, Prenups, Divorce Litigation, Medical Malpractice and wrongful Death cases, Workers' Compensation cases, and Business Litigation.

My name is Larissa Salvador, I was born in Madureira and raised in Complexo do Alemao, Rio de Janeiro Brazil. At the age of 11, my family moved to the United States in search of a safer and better future for our family.
As many before me, I went through the immigration system, as uncertain and emotionally charged as it is. I completed both middle school and high school in Boca Raton, Florida. I graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Monroe College, in New York, in 2009 at the age of 19. Due to my immigration status it...

Gary F. Celetti, Jr. spent two decades as a decorated law enforcement officer in Broward County, Florida and he has dedicated his entire career to the pursuit of justice. Gary earned his Juris Doctor degree, cum laude, from Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad College of Law. During law school, he received numerous accolades including highest grade, book awards, and earned the Dean's list on several occasions. Upon graduating from law school, he was accepted into the Florida Bar and the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. Gary was trained by and practiced alongside...

Jennifer Benton joined Adams, Luka, & Benton, P.A. as an associate attorney in 2014. She has developed a reputation as someone who is willing to work hard to obtain quality results for her clients. She is handling numerous family law cases including divorce, spousal support, child custody, child support, adoption, pre-nuptial agreements and child relocation and work on each case with a senior attorney. She was a Guardian Ad Litem in Orange County, Florida and involved in several organizations which included membership in the Toastmaster's Club and Treasurer of the American Association for Justice.

Attorney Lakeena “Keena” Gillion is a skilled family law attorney specializing in divorce, child custody, timesharing, modifications, injunctions, and other family law matters. With a deep commitment to helping families navigate challenging legal situations, she offers a compassionate yet assertive approach to securing her clients’ best interests. Attorney Gillion brings a comprehensive understanding of family dynamics and legal complexities, combining her legal expertise with a genuine passion for helping individuals and families in need of resolution and closure during emotional and difficult times. Having practiced in various areas of law, Attorney Gillion has developed a strong reputation for her work in...

Thomas B. Luka, Esq. is a native Central Floridian who has provided clients with exceptional courtroom representation and guidance for over 16 years. As a partner at the law firm of Adams, Luka, & Benton, P.A., Mr. Luka has an extensive background in litigation, and has been lead counsel on more than 150 criminal and civil trials. Mr. Luka has appeared as a legal analyst on local and national talk shows such as CNN, CNBC, Fox News, Nancy Grace, Geraldo Rivera, Jane Velez Mitchell and Court TV. Thomas Luka began his law career as an Assistant State Attorney in...

This Florida native attended University of Florida Law School after graduating from Duke University. She is AV rated by Martindale Hubbell peer review rating system. This is their highest rating. Avvo national ratings gave her an excellent rating. The office practice includes bankruptcy, landlord tenant, foreclosure, family law, estate planning including wills and trusts, and probate and guardianship matters.

Shannine Anderson, Esquire is the founder of Regalis Law, P.A. Attorney Anderson practices business, real estate, wills, trusts, probate, and personal injury law. She served as a Senior Trial Court Law Clerk in the Ninth Judicial Circuit and the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit, working closely with judges on various trial and appellate legal issues. Attorney Anderson graduated with honors from Florida State University College of Law. During law school, she interned at the First District Court of Appeal, the Public Interest Law Center, and was also selected as a Kellogg’s Law Fellow. Ms. Anderson obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration...

Melissa K. Hancock was born and raised in Panama City, Florida. She obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Florida State University in 1997. Ms. Hancock taught fourth grade for two years and assisted with writing the curriculum for a conflict resolution program for grades K-5.

Ms. Hancock returned to Florida State University in 2000 where she obtained her Juris Doctor in 2003. She was employed at a prestigious local law firm in Ocala as an associate attorney from 2003 until 2015. Ms. Hancock established Melissa K. Hancock, P.A. in 2015. She obtained her board...

We are a full service, boutique law firm, offering personalized service tailored to each clients needs. At the Law Offices of Amanda C. Micallef, P.A we understand that each clients situation is different and our goal is to obtain the best possible outcome for each and every client. Big or small, simple or complex, your legal issue is important to us.

As the founder of Hartbrodt Law, P.A., Attorney Barbara J. Hartbrodt is committed to trustworthy and passionate legal representation that focuses on a client-centered approach and collaborative lawyering.

As a native and lifelong resident of Central Florida, Ms. Hartbrodt attended Stetson University in DeLand, Florida for her undergraduate education. In 2015, Barbara graduated with honors, Cum Laude, from Florida A&M University College of Law (“FAMU”) at the top of her class. During her law school career, Ms. Hartbrodt held office as the Treasurer of Law Students for Reproductive Justice, a student organization.

Prior to admission to the Florida Bar, Ms. Hartbrodt interned...

Ramie Altawil, a zealous advocate for justice, brings a wealth of experience and unwavering dedication to his legal practice. Hailing from Amman, Jordan, Ramie found his calling in Miami, where he has become known for his compassionate representation and tireless pursuit of favorable outcomes for his clients. As an Assistant Public Defender in Miami, Ramie honed his skills over four years, handling a diverse range of cases spanning misdemeanors to first-degree felonies. His steadfast commitment to his clients' rights has been evident in numerous trials, where he served as lead counsel, ensuring their voices were heard and their interests vigorously defended. Driven...

Mark R. Wegmann joined Vilar Law, P.A. in April 2015 and handles all aspects of family law, including divorce, paternity, child support and post-judgment matters

Alessandra Pino, an associate attorney at Hertz • Sager, has been a member in good standing since September 2023. Ms. Pino graduated from Florida International University School of Law in May 2023. It was at FIU, where she discovered her passion for family law. Ms. Pino worked in the family law section of the Community Lawyering Clinic at law school where she learned the fundamentals of dissolution of marriage and guardianship law. FIU Law recognized Ms. Pino for her outstanding contributions and hard work in the Community Lawyering Clinic. In addition to having gained experience in law school, Ms. Pino had the...

The Law Offices of Karen J. Haas provides superior Appellate and Trial Support services to clients and trial attorneys in all areas of civil practice, state and federal. Ms. Haas has over two-decades of experience and knowledge that can maximize the monetary value of a case, and put it in the best possible posture for trial, appeal, or settlement. It takes a particularly effective and staunch advocate to pursue or defend a lawsuit on behalf of an individual or small business whether against one party, multiple parties, or the legal team of a Fortune 500 Company.

Charles D. Fantl has been protecting the legal rights of Central Floridians for over a quarter century in both state and federal courts in the areas of criminal, personal injury and family law. Many of his clients have had exceptional results in the more than 100 jury and judge trials, along with his experience bringing motions and appeals.

Scott Merl graduated from Miami Law in May of 2011. A Miami native, Scott graduated from the University of Florida with a double major in Political Science, cum laude and Business Administration General Studies with a specialization in Education. During his law school career, Scott served as the 2010 Orientation Vice Chair, was a leading force in the Student Ambassador program, and was an intern for the Street Law program where he taught at Coral Gables High School.

After graduation, Scott held a one year Post-Graduate Fellowship in which he served as a liaison between the student body and the...